WHAT LIZZY LOVES
  • Home
  • Style
  • Built in 1873
  • Eyewear & Optometry
  • Life, Travel & Food
  • Health & Beauty
  • About/Contact
What Lizzy Loves

Life And Style Through The Eyes Of An Optometrist

What Lizzy Loves
  • Home
  • Style
  • Built in 1873
  • Eyewear & Optometry
  • Life, Travel & Food
  • Health & Beauty
  • About/Contact
  • Life, Travel, Food
  • Style

The Story So Far: Reflections on 2018

  • 29 March 2018
  • 2 comments
  • 1.7K views
  • Elizabeth
what-lizzy-loves-the-story so far

what-lizzy-loves-the-story so far

I’m sure I’m not the only one who can’t believe we’re already one quarter of the way through 2018! It’s the start of the Easter break and the sun has finally put in an appearance. Ian’s coming for the long weekend and we have some lovely plans. I absolutely can’t wait. I love this time of year. Everything is ready to burst into life and Easter has always been a very special time in our family. This is in part due to our Catholic upbringing, but also because my two children, my mum and my brother have birthdays in March and April which between them straddle the Easter weekend, no matter when it falls. It’s always a time of celebration.

So, I’m reflecting on the last three months and looking back at my New Year resolutions to see how, (or if), they have improved life. I have categorised it in the same way that I categorise my blog.

This is 2018, the story so far.

The Story So Far: Style

Style makes up the largest proportion of my blog. This year, I’ve worn a lot of red and have fallen even more in love with the midi length. I got dressed up for a black tie event, but mostly, I’ve been wrapped up in 15 layers, a down coat, gloves, scarf and a hat.

These are my five favourite outfits.

What Lizzy Loves spring trends bold colour floral jumpsuit faux fur jacket
Florals and Faux Fur
what-lizzy-loves-black-tie-outfit-AOP-awards-blue-cocktail-dress
The AOP Awards, January 2018
what-lizzy-loves-Bodenred-lace-top-red-boots
100% Optical, January 2018
what-lizzy-loves-Valentines-day-red-dress
Valentine’s Date
what-lizzy-loves-green and pink skirt-snow
Birthday party outfit

The Story So Far: Life, Wellness & beauty

Health

One of my resolutions was to get a few health issues attended to. Thanks to our wonderful NHS, I’ve been able to do just that. Consequently, it’s been an unusual three months. I feel like my feet have barely touched the ground and at times it’s felt like a whirlwind of hospital appointments. I’ve had three minor surgeries. In February, I had a hysteroscopy, in early March, I had a skin lesion removed from my nose and two days ago, I had two chalazia, (meibomium cysts), removed from my upper eyelid. I can’t tell you how pleased I am with everything so far. I’m waiting for a uterine ablation, a more serious operation, but something I’m looking forward to. I’ll be like a new woman by summer.

Fitness

I tried not to put life on hold, but in some ways, I had to. I haven’t been able to exercise as much as I do normally, because of the various recoveries. But to be honest, I’d been feeling apathetic anyway.

I fell out of love with the gym towards the end of last year;  I got bored. In my New Year resolution post, I vowed to try a more efficient regime at home and promised I’d report back. Well, it was a complete fail. I wasn’t motivated and I was too easily distracted. I looked in the mirror two weeks ago and although happy with my weight and my size, I was not happy with the much less-than-usual toned version of myself that looked back. So, l got my wobbly self back to the gym at the start of last week and I’m loving it. I’m doing the same regime as before but with a lot more focus. I use resistance machines rather than free weights and it’s all too easy to become passive, to let the machines do the majority of the work. I now make sure I think about the muscles and what they’re doing, ensuring I really work them. It must be said that I could barely walk at the end of last week, so sore were my inner thighs.

I can’t tell you how much better I feel. The external results won’t be visible for a while, but my goodness, inside I’m buzzing! I feel more energised, more motivated and generally just better about myself.  I’ve fallen back in love with exercise and I’m hoping for a happy ever after.

Wellbeing

So far this year, I have managed to keep to my resolution to read more. Still not as much as I’d like to, but it’s a step forward. In part, this has been due to me managing my time on social media more and ensuring I finish work at around 5.30pm and often before, unless it’s absolutely necessary.

I have said no to more things than ever before. This goes against my nature hugely. I’m a people pleaser, so I find it hard. I have also begun to (finally) recognise my self-worth. In the monetary sense of the phrase, I am no longer prepared to work for nothing, Catherine, (Not Dressed as Lamb), wrote this excellent post about this topic. Saying no has felt incredibly liberating and has been good for my self-esteem. On a deeper and more emotional level, Ian has made me feel valued, special and downright fabulous. He has also, finally. made me accept that it’s ok to rest sometimes!

In common with many, I resolved to drink more water and less wine this year. I have certainly increased my intake of water. And the wine? Erm, nuff said ;).

The Story So Far: Optometry and Eyes

I decided at the start of the year that I have the opportunity to fill a niche in the blogosphere. That of a style blogger who can talk with authority about optometry and all aspects of eyes. I added a new tagline to that effect.

In January, I began a year-long partnership with Stepper and, in collaboration with them, have written about my first pair of reading glasses and how to choose coloured spectacle frames. They are a super company and I’m going on a very exciting little jaunt with them in October, so watch this space!

what Lizzy Loves Stepper reading glasses
Reading glasses and why we need them
what-lizzy-loves-how-to-choose-coloured-spectacle frames-Stepper
How to choose coloured spectacle frames

One of the highlights of the story so far is my weekend at 100% Optical. I even got to do some presenting which I absolutely loved. It reignited my passion for my profession. It made me prouder than ever of being an optometrist.

The Story So Far: Food and Travel

Gosh, I’m starving…I haven’t done a restaurant review since before Christmas. And nor have I really been out to anywhere of note so far this year. This particular blog category needs a bit more excitement in its life. Let’s see what we can do about this.

Have a lovely Easter!

 

[shopr_shopthepost collection=”story-so-far” title=”What I’m wearing that’s still available to buy…” show_product_title=”yes”]

 

Disclosure:

Like many bloggers and content creators, I use affiliate links. I identify these with an asterisk. I identify gifted items within the body of the post. I am a paid ambassador for STEPPER Eyewear and for MAC Eyewear. For links to my current clothes, accessories and homeware, click here. Thank you for reading

Please Share...

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
Related Topics
  • health
  • hysteroscopy
  • life
  • outfits
  • style
  • wellness
Elizabeth

You May Also Like
David Austin Rose Gardens, Shropshire
View Post
  • House Renovation
  • Life, Travel, Food

Visiting: David Austin Roses, Shropshire

  • 14 September 2023
  • Elizabeth
green Me + Em jumpsuit
View Post
  • Style

Wearing: The Green Me + Em Jumpsuit

  • 1 September 2023
  • Elizabeth
Boden red fit and flare midi dress with navy spotted raffia slingbacks
View Post
  • Style

Wearing: Red Dress and Spotted Raffia Slingbacks

  • 24 August 2023
  • Elizabeth
wedding guest outfit: ice blue pleated dress with blue pearl beaded headband and scalloped edge sandals
View Post
  • Style

Wearing: An Ice Blue Pleated Dress (Wedding Guest Outfit).

  • 13 August 2023
  • Elizabeth
Me + Em Cropped Check Jacket with pink dress and gold trainers
View Post
  • Style

Wearing: Me + Em Cropped Check Jacket

  • 5 August 2023
  • Elizabeth
Boden Ivory Bluebell maxi skirt review
View Post
  • Style

Wearing: Boden Ivory Bluebell Maxi Skirt

  • 4 July 2023
  • Elizabeth
https://www.lotusshoes.co.uk/white-multi-leather-cairnes-open-toe-flatform-sandals-lotus-
View Post
  • Style

Wearing: White Leather Flatform Sandals by Lotus Shoes

  • 2 July 2023
  • Elizabeth
M&S Blue Tiered Cutwork Maxi Dress
View Post
  • Style

Wearing An M&S Blue Tiered Cutwork Maxi

  • 23 June 2023
  • Elizabeth
2 comments
  1. mummabstylish says:
    29 March 2018 at 10:15 pm

    Wow, you’ve had a busy year already. Some beautiful outfits Hun, I especially love that gorgeous jumpsuit. thanks for sharing, and here’s to the next quarter of the year. Jacqui Mummabstylish

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      3 April 2018 at 7:54 am

      Hi Jacqui, yes, it’s been really busy. Quite a whirlwind really! Yes, the jumpsuit is so lovely isn’t it. I love the colours in it. I hope you and your family have had a lovely Easter. Lots of love xxxx

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

See more of What Lizzy Loves on Instagram

whatlizzyloves

Outfits | Eyewear | Lifestyle
House Renovation: @built_in_1873
📧whatlizzyloves1@gmail.com

Elizabeth
~ Specs by Prue 👓 ~ Yesterday, @benjaminoptici ~ Specs by Prue 👓 ~
Yesterday, @benjaminopticians, we had an open day to celebrate the practice’s 70th birthday. I was delighted to be sharijg the full collection of @specs_by_prue courtesy of @mac_eyewear_uk_ireland. It is a stunning, vibrant collection which is very wearable, very comfortable and beautifully fabricated. I always encourage patients to try something out of their comfort zone and it’s amazing how many will fall in love with a style they wouldn’t have gravitated to. 
I’m wearing model 22012 in colourway 3, tortoiseshell and aqua (with my prescription lenses in). Swipe to see it in detail and in other colourways. 
#teammaceye #specsbyprue #benjaminopticians #skiptonopticians #skipton #optometrist #eyewearblogger #eyewearstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Jumpsuit~ I absolutely love this jumpsuit. A wor ~Jumpsuit~
I absolutely love this jumpsuit. A wore it a few weeks ago for our friends’ Silver Wedding party and I’ll be wearing it again in Sicily next week. I cannot wait for some sunshine and a bit of relaxation with Ian 💚☀️🇮🇹
~Yorkshire Sculpture Park~ Today we met up with I ~Yorkshire Sculpture Park~
Today we met up with Ian’s brother and sister-in-law at @yspsculpture. It was my first visit and I thought it was brilliant with sculptures by @damienhirst, @erwinwurm and more, (swipe through). The lunch was rather nice too (artichoke bruschetta if you’re interested)💚. 
#yorkshiresculpturepark #yorkshireblogger #visityorkshire #damienhirst #whatlizzyloves
~Good Luck Poppy 🍀~ I’ll be thinking about y ~Good Luck Poppy 🍀~
I’ll be thinking about you all day today as you start you grad job in London. So excited for you and proud of you 🩷🩷🩷xxxx 
@p0ppyisabella #whatlizzyloves
~Flowers~ Roses, rosemary and Fatsia Japonica fro ~Flowers~
Roses, rosemary and Fatsia Japonica from the garden @built_in_1873. As Poppy and her boyfriend leave for London, Ian’s son and his girlfriend arrive. I love having the young ones here 💕
#builtin1873 #familylife #loveroses #whatlizzyloves @ian.monty70
~Good Luck Poppy🍀 ~ Last night- dinner and dri ~Good Luck Poppy🍀 ~
Last night- dinner and drinks in Leeds to wish @p0ppyisabella good luck as she heads to London to start her grad job. Also wishing her boyfriend @olivertonkinson all the very best as he embarks on the next step of his legal career tomorrow. We’re so proud of you both and excited for you xxx
@bibis_kitchenleeds #leeds #family #whatlizzyloves
~Inaya Sandals 🤍~ Ad(reason: #gifted shoes). T ~Inaya Sandals 🤍~
Ad(reason: #gifted shoes). The beautiful @lotusshoes1759 Inaya sandals I wore to my cousin’s wedding a few weeks ago. I wore them from midday to midnight and danced for several hours in them- they are supremely comfortable and absolutely beautiful. 
#shoeaddict #lotusshoes #weddingguestoutfit #whatlizzyloves
~Silver Wedding~ The loveliest afternoon yesterda ~Silver Wedding~
The loveliest afternoon yesterday celebrating our wonderful friends’ Silver Wedding anniversary. Congratulations Liz and Paul- thank you for a fabulous afternoon and evening xxx
#friends #friendship #sezanne #meandem #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Trouser Suit~ We’re now in Lichfield, ahead of ~Trouser Suit~
We’re now in Lichfield, ahead of our friends’ Silver Wedding anniversary celebrations tomorrow. I really enjoyed wearing my trouser suit- a rare departure from wearing a dress 🩷
#meandem #trousersuit #checkedtrousersuit #femininetrousersuit #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Roses~ Ian and I have just spent a lovely few ho ~Roses~
Ian and I have just spent a lovely few hours @david_austin_roses in Shropshire. So much inspo for our garden @built_in_1873, and I had a rather fabulous rose Battenberg cake after a very nice quiche (swipe through to see) 🌹 
#davidaustinroses #davidaustin #roselover #whatlizzyloves
~Today~ For a dear friend’s 60th birthday 🎂 ~Today~ 
For a dear friend’s 60th birthday 🎂 
#reddress #bodenbyme #over40 #agelessstyle #dresslover #cultgaia #whatlizzyloves
~Wedding Guest~ My cousin got married at the week ~Wedding Guest~
My cousin got married at the weekend and it was the most wonderful day. So lovely to catch up with family 🩵
#weddingguest #weddingguestoutfit #weddingguestdress #dresslover #dressupwithcoast #over40 #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Trend Watch~ The August/September issue of @opto ~Trend Watch~
The August/September issue of @optometry_today has just landed and it’s got a fab new look. I now have a full page which is rather exciting! 
I featured @eoeeyewear, @etniabarcelona, @theoeyewear @fitzframes @monoqool @wiresglasses. 
#optometrist #optometrytoday #theaop #associationofoptometrists #eyewearblogger #eyewearjournalist #womeninoptometry #whatlizzyloves @benjaminopticians
~Stalking paid off~ I mentioned on my blog that I ~Stalking paid off~
I mentioned on my blog that I was stalking the matching trousers to this fabulous @me_andem jacket. My tenacity paid off and they came back into stock in my size so I duly snapped them up. And..they’re fab. I can’t wait to wear them both as a suit and as separates. 
#meandem #intelligentstyle #timelessstyle #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Wedding anniversary~ Two years of being Mrs Y-M ~Wedding anniversary~ 
Two years of being Mrs Y-M. 
Thank you Ian for being the most wonderful husband @ian.monty70 ❤️❤️❤️
#weddinganniversary #bestdayever#whatlizzyloves
(Photos: the amazing @jenna_meeking_photography)
~Dinner date~ Ian and I went into Leeds for dinner ~Dinner date~
Ian and I went into Leeds for dinner last night to a fab restaurant (I’ll share photos later because the food was excellent). It’s our wedding anniversary on Monday so this was our celebration. I only got the jacket a few days ago and I absolutely love it. I’m going to wear it again later for a lunch date with Poppy. I’ll put all outfit details on my blog later on if I get the chance 🩷. 
#datenight #notwatchingbarbie #meandem #over40 #slowfashion #whatlizzyloves
~Highlights~ The last time I had highlights was in ~Highlights~
The last time I had highlights was in November. I only have the T-section done, but it makes such a difference. 
Lovely to see you as always @gemma.chichairstudio 💇🏼‍♀️ 
#chichairstudio #skipton #redhead #strawberryblonde #whatlizzyloves
~Rediscovered~ I “rediscovered” this @boden_cl ~Rediscovered~
I “rediscovered” this @boden_clothing citrus-yellow necklace a few weeks ago when I was sorting through my boxes of costume jewellery. It reminds me of my early blogging days when a Breton top with a statement necklace were my school-run staples. Hard to believe that was a decade ago. 
Anyway, I’m glad I found it because I still love it 🍋. 
#nofastfashionhere #statementnecklace #yellownecklace #bodennecklace #bodenbyme #whatlizzyloves
~Ad~paid partnership~ ~Wedding dress-up~ I loved p ~Ad~paid partnership~
~Wedding dress-up~
I loved playing wedding dress-up for @stepper.eyewear. Not every bride wants to wear contact lenses so we chose some beautiful styles that would make the perfect wedding eyewear. Remember that there is a choice of European, Asian and African fits too to suit different facial characteristics for #theperfectfit. All details on the STEPPER Eyewear website and on my blog. Links to both are 👆🏻.
This is model SI-30192👰🏼 
(The stained glass is in our hall @built_in_1873 by the way. This was one of the original features that stole our hearts when we viewed the house). 
#bridaleyewear #weddingeyewear #bridalideas #eyewear #eyewearstyle #eyeweartrends #eyewearblogger #optometrist #steppereyewear #whatlizzyloves #builtin1873
~New bag~ @cultgaia is one of my favourite brands ~New bag~
@cultgaia is one of my favourite brands for unusual bags and shoes- I love the bold details and unusual, often quite sculptural shapes. A treat for sure, but one I’ll enjoy for years 🍋💚
#cultgaia #cultgaiabag #limebag #statementbag #whatlizzyloves
Load More Follow on Instagram
Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 2,164 other subscribers.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.